Signal Hill may get new community garden

SIGNAL HILL - The site where a fire-damaged home once stood is close to being revived as a community garden.

The City Council Tuesday night will consider adopting a zoning ordinance that would change the residential area at 1917 E. 21st St. to an open space and allow a community garden.

The council first approved the ordinance at its Nov. 20 meeting. All ordinances must be read and approved twice before going into effect.

The community garden is expected to be ready by mid-2013, but the design, rules and regulations are being considered by the Parks and Recreation Commission, said Community Services Director Pilar Alcivar-McCoy.

Once the Parks and Recreation Commission makes its recommendations, they will be considered by the council.

Preliminary estimates indicate the 6,750-square-foot lot might be divided into 25 spaces for residents to grow fruits and vegetables, but the Parks and Recreation Commission hasn't yet determined how to allocate the spaces, Alcivar-McCoy said.

The city wants to turn the lot into a community garden as part of its master plan to expand Signal Hill Park, which is adjacent to it.

In August 2010, the home that was formerly at the site was damaged in a fire and deemed uninhabitable.

The property owner couldn't afford to fix the property, and in August 2011 the city bought the home and demolished it, according to the staff report.

Also on the agenda, the council will consider buying additional properties to extend the alleys at 2011 Obispo Ave. and 2799 E. 21st St.